Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Management of Breast, Lung, and Colorectal Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Examination of tumor molecular characteristics by liquid biopsy is likely to greatly influence personalized cancer patient management. Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and tumor-derived exosomes, all collectively referred to as "liquid biopsies," are not only a modality to monitor treatment efficacy, disease progression, and emerging therapy resistance mechanisms, but they also assess tumor heterogeneity and evolution in real time. We review the literature concerning the examination of ctDNA and CTC in a diagnostic setting, evaluating their prognostic, predictive, and monitoring capabilities. We discuss the advantages and limitations of various leading ctDNA/CTC analysis technologies. Finally, guided by the results of clinical trials, we discuss th

SUBMITTER: Hench IB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5797586 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature